Eviction underway at illegal traveller encampment in South Oxhey

Hertfordshire Constabulary says a group of travellers who pitched up at a former driving range in South Oxhey on Sunday evening have now left the area.

Three Rivers District Council has had no legal powers to move the travellers on from the Prestwick Road site and it has been up to the leaseholder to take the necessary action.

Today, Three Rivers Chief Inspector Nick Lillitou said: "We have been at the scene of a private eviction.

"Officers from the safer neighbourhood team supported the leaseholder to ensure those present left the site in a safe and peaceful manner without affecting the wider community.

"Trespass is a civil matter and not criminal therefore the responsibility to evict trespassers lies with the landowner first and foremost."

Caravans on site with a huge pile of waste in one corner of the field

However, police can take additional enforcement action under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, but a strict set of criteria must be met before those powers can be exercised.

Both the police and council have been supporting the leaseholder throughout the week.

Police say they are also aware of flytipping in the area.

Piles of waste photographed earlier this week

Heaps of waste has been piled up on corners of the field which reportedly appeared this week.

Chief Insp Lillitou added: "Officers are already aware of fly tipping in the vicinity and yesterday attended the site with partners from Three Rivers District Council’s environmental protection department to assess the situation.

"We will work with the local authority to support the investigation into the origins of the fly tipping and those responsible for depositing it on the site."

The travellers arrived on Sunday, breaking into the site by dragging a concrete block out of the way.